Audiobook Apps

Read while walking, driving, gardening.

Libby (free with library card)

FREE

Free audiobooks AND ebooks from your local library. Best free option, period.

Best overall.

Hoopla (free with library card)

FREE

Same idea — library partnership. Different selection than Libby. Use both.

Bigger combined catalog.

Audible (Amazon)

$15/mo (1 credit/mo)

Biggest catalog. Best app. Whispersync with Kindle. 30-day free trial.

Best paid.

Spotify (with Premium)

$12/mo

Includes 15 hours/month of audiobooks free. Mostly bestsellers.

Best if you already pay for Spotify.

Apple Books

Buy per book

Built into iPhone/iPad. No subscription. Buy individual titles ($5-25).

Best if you only listen sometimes.

Chirp

Buy per book ($1-7)

Daily audiobook deals — limited-time offers. Owned by BookBub.

Best for cheap finds.

Library cards make audiobooks free

Get a free library card from your local library (in-person OR many libraries do online sign-up).
Download Libby app + Hoopla app.
Tap "Add Library Card". Enter card number.
Search any book. Borrow. It downloads. Listen.
3-week loans, auto-return.
$0 forever.

Tips for better listening

Adjust speed — most apps allow 0.8x to 2x. 1.1x or 1.2x speeds up without sounding chipmunky.
Sleep timer — most apps have one. Pause after 15 min.
Bluetooth headphones (or AirPods) keep cord out of way.
Bluetooth in your car connects audiobook to car speakers automatically.
Bookmark a spot — long-press the playback bar in most apps.

Audible vs Library

Library — free, but waits 1-12 weeks for popular new books.
Audible — $15/month, instant access, you own the credit.
Many people use Library for older books, Audible only for new releases they can't wait for.

For low vision or fading eyesight

If reading print is hard, ask your library about BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) — a free service from the Library of Congress for people with vision loss. Tens of thousands of audiobooks. Doctor or librarian can certify eligibility.